Open Source: Collaborative nature of Development

Open Source refers to a collaborative nature of development. Open source
software for example has free, public code which can be downloaded,
modified and redistributed by a multiple developers. With regards
to 3D printing, there is a wide
variety of open source software for 3D that you can use to make
and modify 3D
models.

A RepRap 3D Printer

Open Source History

Open source software as we know it began with the launch of the free
software movement in 1983. With the publication of the GNU manifesto
and the launch of the GNU project, the goal was to develop a computer
operating system that was free from constraints on its source code.
Soon to follow was Linux in 1991. The label "open source" came
sometime later after Netscape released the source code for Navigator
internet browser in 1998. The vast majority of programming languages
have been open source since the 1990's, including Python and Ruby.
The trend continues to today, with notable open-source Andriod
smartphone operating system and the hugely popular software version
control system called Git.

The most notable open source project in 3D printing history is the
RepRap project. RepRap is the first general-purpose self-replicating
manufacturing machine. As an open source project, anyone in the
RepRap community can edit and contribute to the development of the project,
while all designs and software are free to use. The RepRap website
provides an extensive list of open-source and free to use software
for CAD modelling and STL handling. The major advantage of open-source technology is that
it's free to use and typically has a strong community base around
it.

3D Printing Controversy

MakerBot, one of the most popular desktop 3D printers on the market,
was born out of the RepRap project and a Vienna hackerspace called Metalab. The initial product, the Cupcake CNC, was an open
source product and many of the improvement suggestions came from
the RepRap community. As MakerBot matured and released newer models,
the open-source roots of the company dissipated with the development
of proprietary technology, angering many of the RepRap community
members.

Get Involved

Check out Blender or OpenSCAD for open-source CAD
software, and MeshLab or Cura for open source STL software. You can also checkout
your nearest hackerspace or FabLab to learn more and become part of the maker community. For an introductory
look into the types of projects enabled by open source projects
and the maker mentality, you can also attend a Maker Faire event!

Try an Open Source Program!

Have an idea for a 3D model? Get started with one of the open source
CAD programs! Visit our tutorials page
to learn how to get started with designing a model 3D printing.